TAMPA — Thousands of volleyball fans will visit downtown Tampa in the coming days for the NCAA Volleyball Championships.

On Thursday, the opening matches of the Final Four take place at Amalie Arena as Pittsburgh takes on Nebraska at 7 p.m. and Texas battles Wisconsin at 9 p.m. It’s yet another high profile sporting event in our own backyard.

The Tampa Bay Area is no stranger to big-time events — Super Bowls, NCAA Final Fours, Stanley Cup Finals — this area has seen it all. Now, the region is getting to host the ultimate volleyball party. And before any matches have been played, teams are already singing the praises of their host.

"This has been a first class deal," said Nebraska Head Coach John Cook. "It feels like a great environment. Tampa’s a cool town. There’s four great teams here. The people have been awesome. I feel like every year the Final Four is getting, they’re just doing a better job of making this a really special event."

In addition, a Fan Zone event will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Ford Thunder Alley, a popular gathering spot before Tampa Bay Lightning games.

Nebraska is your odds on favorite to win it all: they come in with the No. 1 ranking. But look out for the defending champs, Texas. The Longhorns knocked off another heavy favorite, Stanford, in the regional finals.

Pittsburgh’s making its third straight semifinal appearance and seeking the school’s first championship, while Wisconsin is hoping to win its second title in the past three seasons. One team’s going to win it all and Tampa’s ready to crown them.

Thursday's winners advance to Sunday's title game at 3 p.m. Another Fan Zone event is scheduled for Sunday.

You can view the entire schedule of games and events by clicking here.